here in our own hemisphere where our neighbors in latin america want to resist the failed ideology of hugo chavez and the castro brothers and deepen ties with the united states on trade and energy and security. but in all these places, just as in the middle east, the question is asked, where does america stand? i know many americans are asking a different question, why us? i know many americans are asking whether our country today with our ailing economy and our massive debt and after 11 years of war is still capable of leading? i believe that if america doesn't lead, others will. others who don't share our interests, and our values, and the world would grow darker for our friend, and for us. america's security and the cause of freedom can not afford four more years like the last four years. i'm running for president because i believe the leader of the free world has a duty to our citizens, and to our friends everywhere to use america's great influence wisely, with solemnity and without false pride and also firmly and actively to shape events in ways that secure our interests, further